KC Parent: Strange (but normal!) things babies do

By Christa Melnyk Hines

Every new parent at some point wonders: Is my baby supposed to do that? Is this normal?

Morgan Shandler, Overland Park, recalls several moments of new mama anxiety during the first few weeks home with her daughter, who is now a busy 1-year-old.

“One thing that particularly freaked me out was when Violet would bob her head when attempting to nurse. It almost looked like she was having a seizure or like she was a broken down robot,” Shandler says. “But my pediatrician assured me it was a completely normal part of ‘rooting’ for the breast.”

If you’re ever concerned about strange movements your baby makes, try to video record it, suggests Jennifer McBride, MD, internal medicine and pediatric specialist, Truman Medical Centers and Children’s Mercy.

“Nine times out of 10, Baby won’t do the motion when in the office with us. If parents record it, I can see what the baby looks like when they are doing that movement and either reassure them or decide if we need to do something else,” Dr. McBride says.

What is normal today probably won’t last because babies grow and change rapidly, but always consult your family physician with any concerns.

Read the full story via KC Parent

Learn more about Pediatrics at Children's Mercy